The spelling "wert near to" may seem unusual to some, but it is actually a contraction of the phrase "were it not for". The IPA transcription of the phonetic sounds in this phrase are: /wər ɪt nɒt fɔː/. The contraction "wert" is a result of the archaic subjunctive form of the verb "to be", which is no longer in common use. While this phrasing may not be commonly encountered today, it can be found in older literature and adds character and depth to historical texts.
"Wert near to" is an archaic English expression that combines the verb "wert" (an archaic second-person singular form of the verb "to be") with the preposition "near to." This phrase can be interpreted as an older version of the current phrase "were close to" or "were near to."
The term "wert near to" indicates proximity or being in close proximity to something or someone. It implies a spatial relationship where the subject is situated or positioned near to or in the vicinity of a particular object or individual. It suggests being in close range, but not necessarily touching or in direct contact.
Originally used mostly in the past tense or subjunctive mood, the phrase "wert near to" resembles a poetic or literary construction commonly found in older texts. The word "wert" functioned as the second-person singular past tense of the verb "to be" in the subjunctive mood. While not commonly used in modern language, encountering this archaic phrase in literary works, particularly those from the Shakespearean era or earlier, is possible.
To summarize, "wert near to" is an archaic construction that signifies being close to or in proximity to something or someone. It represents an earlier form of the phrase "were near to," implying spatial closeness without direct contact.